German rights duties and obligations

Das Bild zeigt eine Familie im Wohnzimmer. Der Vater öffnet seine Hände, um sein Kleinkind in die Arme zu nehmen.

Born in Germany

Can I obtain a German passport for my children if they are born in Germany? My child has a German passport (or residence permit) -[. ]

Polizeiliche Anmeldung

Registering your address in Germany

Do I have to register my address ("Anmeldung") in Germany? Where and when should I register? What documents do I have to submit?

Das Bild zeigt eine Familie mit Vater, Mutter, Kinder und Großeltern.

Permanent Residence Permit for Immigrants

Can I obtain permanent residence permit and settle in Germany? Where and how can I apply? What requirements do I need to meet?

Familienzusammenführung

Family Reunification for Immigrants

What kind of residence permit I need for my family to be able to come to Germany? What are the prerequisites for family[. ]

Erlaubnis zum Daueraufenthalt-EU

EU Permanent Residence Permit

Can I apply for the EU Permanent Residence Permit? What are the requirements I have to fulfil? Can I work in any EU country with an[. ]

Einbürgerung

Naturalisation

The new Naturalisation Act came into force on 27 June 2024. Here, you can find the application requirements according to the new[. ]

Two people discussing divorce with two rings on the table

Independent Right of Residence for Spouses ("Eheunabhängiges Aufenthaltsrecht")

Am I going to lose my right of residence after divorce if I've come to Germany for family reunification?

Parents holding children's hands

Child Custody in Germany

What is joint custody? Do I need a "Sorgerechtserklärung"? Who gets custody after a divorce?

Das Bild zeigt die Hand eines Mannes und eines Kindes. Das Kind legt seine Hand in die Hand des Mannes.

Child Maintenance

What is child maintenance? What if the other parent cannot pay maintenance? Who is entitled to "Unterhaltsvorschuss"?

Here you can learn all about your rights and the support system in Germany

Four arms with different skin tones grabbing each other

Discrimination

What is considered a discriminatory behaviour according to the German law? What can I do when I face discrimination?

Polizei

Police in Germany

What number should I call in an emergency? How can I file a complaint against an offender? What can I do if the police discriminate[. ]

Das Bild zeigt einen Mann von hinten. Er steht vor dem Richterpult. Hinter dem Richterpult sitzen drei Richter.

Legal Aid

Can I get financial help for legal proceedings when I go to court? Which costs does legal aid cover? Do I have to pay it back?

Frauenrechte

Women's Rights

What are my rights as a woman according to the German law? Where can I seek support if I face gender-based discrimination?

Das Bild zeigt eine Frau, die von einem Mann gegen eine Wand gedrückt wird. Der Mann hält <a href=sie am Handgelenk fest." width="800" height="450" />

Domestic Violence

What exactly is domestic violence? Do verbal abuse and controlling behaviour also count as domestic violence? How and where can I[. ]

Das Bild zeigt ein Kleinkind.

Youth Welfare Office

What are the main tasks of the Youth Welfare Office in Germany? What types of support do they provide children and parents? How can[. ]

Das Bild zeigt die Regenbogenflagge. Sie hängt von einem älteren Gebäude herab.

LGBTQIA+

In Germany, every person is free to live out their sexual orientation and identity, and the law protects lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer, non-binary, pansexual, poly sexual , intersex and asexual individuals, i.e. the LGBTQIA+ community. Nevertheless, members of this community still face hostility and discrimination from some people in the society. Find out more about your rights and how to fight discrimination.

Menschen mit Behinderung

Living with Disability

What are my legal rights as a person with a disability? Are refugees with disabilities granted asylum due to their disability? How[. ]

Notfall

Emergencies

What do I need to know about emergency services in Germany? How can I contact police or fire department? What are the information I[. ]

Das Bild zeigt das Gebäude eines Jobcenters.

Jobcenter

What is "Jobcenter"? Who is eligible to receive "Bürgergeld" (Citizen's Allowance) and when?

Das Bild zeigt einen Vater und seinen kleinen Sohn. Der Sohn steht hinter dem Vater.

Children and Youth Protection

How does the German law protect children and teens? What is the legal age limit for buying (and consuming) alcohol and smoking? Are[. ]

Here you can learn all about the political system in Germany

Politische Parteien in Deutschland

Political Parties in Germany

What are the major political parties in Germany? And what do they each stand for? Can I join a party as a refugee?

Das Bild zeigt einen jungen Mann vor dem Bundestagsgebäude.

Voting in Germany

What types of election exist in Germany? How does the election system work in the local and federal level? Who has the right to[. ]

Das Bild zeigt eine Grafik, auf der eine Hand eine Ausgabe des Grundgesetzes hochhält. Neben dem Grundgesetz ist eine Sprechblase, in der steht:

German Basic Law

What are the most significant articles of the German constitution (Basic Law or "Grundgesetz")? How does the Basic Law protect my[. ]

Local Information

Counselling & support on-site

Do you need support or counselling service in your area? Then you've come to the right place! With our search engine, you can effortlessly search for free counselling centres, language cafés and other nearby offers.